Washington, DC, May 17, 2007 -

Congressman John Carter (R, Round Rock) today announced approval from the U.S. House of Representatives for a land exchange between Fort Hood and the City of Copperas Cove. The exchange was included in the Defense Authorization Bill considered on the House floor this week.

“This deal will increase the quality of life for the residents of Copperas Cove and surrounding communities,” Congressman Carter said. “I am happy my colleagues in the House of Representatives were able to see the value of this project and include it in the Defense Authorization Act.”

Conveyance of the land will facilitate construction of a reliever route around the south side of Copperas Cove to re-route traffic coming off of US HWY 190, thereby mitigating the resulting traffic at stop lights and intersections through Copperas Cove.

The swap will convey approximately 200 acres from Fort Hood to Copperas Cove in exchange for a parcel of land of equal value adjacent to Fort Hood. Copperas Cove will purchase this parcel upon determination of the value of Fort Hood’s land based upon a survey and value appraisal.

The Senate will now consider and pass their version of the Defense Authorization Bill, and then conference with the House to agree upon a resolution before it is sent to the President for approval.